So, Kursi is this cool archaeological spot sitting on the western slopes of the Golan, right by the Sea of Galilee. It's basically the ruins of a massive Byzantine monastery.
A bit of backstory: The Origins: It all started after 324 AD when the Roman Empire went Christian. Saint Helena (Emperor Constantine's mom) was the one who pushed to get it built.
The "Miracle" Factor: This place is famous because it's tied to some big stories about Jesus—specifically the one where he calmed the storm on the lake and the "Legion" story where he cast demons out of a guy and into a herd of pigs.
The Downfall: It had a good run until a massive earthquake trashed the place in 741 AD. After that, it was pretty much abandoned, though some Arab settlers moved in for a bit during the 8th century.
What's there to see now? It's a National Park now, and it's actually really peaceful. The highlight is the restored 5th-century church. The floors are covered in these awesome mosaics of animals and plants, still in great shape.
Pro tip: Don't miss the little chapel up on the hillside. The view looking down over the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) from there is unbeatable.
Imagine the perfect spring morning in Israel—the sun is warm but not yet "blasting" you, and the air smells like fresh wildflowers. It's the absolute best time to grab the keys and head to the eastern side of the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee).
First Stop: Kursi & The Views Start your day at Kursi. It's this massive Byzantine monastery ruin where the vibe is just... super chill. You can walk across ancient mosaics and literally feel the history. But don't stay too long because the drive up the mountain is even better. Make sure to pull over at Mitzpe Nukieb. On a clear day, the view is insane—you see the whole blue "bowl" of the Kinneret stretched out from Tiberias to the Golan Heights. It's one of those "stop and just stare" moments.
The Main Event: Susita (Hippos) Then, you've got the crown jewel: Susita. It's like a ghost city sitting on a hill. They call it the "Pompeii above the lake." You'll walk through the old Roman forum and see giant columns that were knocked down by an earthquake 1,200 years ago and just... stayed there. It's got this wild mix of ancient Roman vibes and old Israeli military outposts.
Trains and Hummus When you head back down, swing by the old Tzemach train station. It's been restored and feels like a movie set from the early 1900s—back when trains ran all the way from Haifa to Damascus.
Finally, once you're officially "toured out," hit up Hummus Eliyahu at the Tzemach junction. Trust me, a warm bowl of creamy hummus with olive oil, fluffy pita, and a solid cup of coffee is the only way to end a trip like this.
Pro tip: Go right now while it's spring. The Golan is bright green, and everything looks like a masterpiece.
